The Scorpio Bookshelf

HI! Just wanted to let you guys know what is going on, and what to expect from the rest of the year from us. A little break for us to get back up to speed and back into the groove of things. BYE!M + J

In this episode, we’re putting a new twist on our fan-casting style discussions by hosting a chaotic little character dinner party. Instead of casting actors, we’re drafting some of our favorite fictional characters and imagining what would happen if they all had to sit at the same table for one very dramatic meal.We take turns picking characters and explaining our reasoning completely off the cuff—whether it’s for the vibes, the chaos they’d bring, or the conversations we think would unfold. Some picks make perfect sense, others might cause absolute disaster, and that’s exactly the point.Expect plenty of laughs, questionable strategy, and a lot of “wait… why did you pick them?” moments as we build the most entertaining (and potentially unhinged) dinner party guest list possible. If you love character debates, chaotic energy, and imagining your favorite fictional people interacting, this episode is for you. 🍷📚Follow our socials here!

In this episode, we’re talking about something every reader eventually faces: the dreaded reading slump. We unpack what a slump actually is, what causes it, and how to tell the difference between a temporary reading funk and full-on burnout.We share our own personal experiences with losing motivation, feeling disconnected from books we normally would’ve loved, and questioning our reading habits altogether. From there, we break down practical, realistic strategies that have helped us get back into the rhythm—whether that’s switching genres, picking up a comfort reread, trying audiobooks, or simply giving ourselves permission to take a break.Most importantly, we remind ourselves (and you) that reading is supposed to bring joy, not stress. Slumps aren’t failures—they’re signals. This episode is all about reframing the experience, being kinder to ourselves as readers, and finding our way back to the stories that made us fall in love with books in the first place. 📚✨Follow us please.... here...

In this episode, we’re asking a question that’s been sitting heavy on our minds: are we reading too fast, but enjoying less? We dive into how the pressure to hit reading goals, avoid spoilers, and keep up with social media trends can quietly turn a relaxing hobby into something that feels competitive.We talk about speed reading, the rise of “how many books did you read this month?” culture, and whether constantly chasing the next title is pulling us away from actually experiencing the stories we pick up. As content creators, we also open up about the subtle pressures to stay current, stay relevant, and always have something new to talk about.From there, we explore the value of rereading, forming emotional connections with books, and being intentional about what—and how—we read. We reflect on how social media has reshaped reading habits, for better and worse, and why it’s worth pausing to ask ourselves what we really want from this hobby.At the heart of it all, this episode is a reminder: reading isn’t a race. It’s okay to slow down, to savor a story, to sit with characters a little longer. Books are meant to be felt, not just finished. 📚✨Find all of our socials here!

In this episode of The Scorpio Bookshelf, we’re breaking down the world of Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) and the culture that’s grown around them. We start with the basics—what ARCs are, why they exist, and how they differ from things like alpha and beta reading—before getting into what it actually means to take on that role as a reader.We talk about the responsibility that comes with ARC reading, especially when it comes to giving constructive, honest feedback, and how much influence early reviews can have on a book’s success. We also unpack how social media has changed ARC culture, shifting attention from traditional reviewers to influencers and content creators, and how that’s complicated the reader–author relationship.As the conversation unfolds, we get into the pressure, expectations, and potential burnout that can come with ARC reading, along with the ethical side of reviewing—particularly when indie authors are involved. We wrap things up by asking the big question: is ARC reading actually worth it? This episode is a thoughtful look at motivations, integrity, and what it means to participate in a system that can deeply impact authors and the book community as a whole.Catch our socials here!

In this episode of The Scorpio Bookshelf, we’re tackling the sometimes controversial, always polarizing topic of DNFing books. We kick things off with a funny personal story (yes, involving our podcast merch) before settling into a real conversation about why putting a book down can feel way more loaded than it should.We talk about our very different relationships with DNFing—how Morgan used to struggle with abandoning books she wasn’t enjoying, while Joaquin has always been a little more go-with-the-vibes about it. From there, we unpack how reading habits have changed, especially with social media, shorter attention spans, and endless entertainment competing for our time.At the heart of it all, we’re making the case that reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. We discuss why being intentional with what you read matters, how freeing it can be to let go of books that don’t click, and why DNFing isn’t a failure—it’s just part of finding the stories that actually bring you joy. If you’ve ever felt guilty for not finishing a book, this episode is your permission slip. 📚✨As always, you can find all our socials here!

BUCKLE UP!In this episode, we’re jumping into the messy, heated world of fandom wars in the book community. We talk about how strong opinions around genres, adaptations, and even author behavior can quickly turn into full-blown conflicts—and why certain fandom spaces feel especially intense.Using popular series (yes, including ACOTAR) as examples, we unpack how disagreements can escalate from harmless debates into toxic behavior and harassment. We’re honest about where passion for books crosses a line, why some fandoms feel more volatile than others, and how social media amplifies conflict instead of conversation. If you love us, you can find out socials here!

In this episode of The Scorpio Bookshelf, we’re leaning fully into the vibes as we explore the crossover between astrology and reading preferences. We talk about why zodiac signs have become such a big theme in the book community—especially on Bookstagram—and how astrology content feels less about strict rules and more about personality, mood, and aesthetic.This is a lighthearted, very unserious conversation where we match zodiac energy to books, series, and characters from some of our favorite reads. From chaotic placements to cozy comfort signs, we’re assigning vibes, defending our choices, and probably roasting ourselves along the way.We also chat about why zodiac content is so relatable, how it influences reading choices (even when we pretend it doesn’t), and why it’s just plain fun to see yourself reflected in the stories you love. Whether you’re an astrology believer, a casual enjoyer, or just here for the chaos, this episode is all about good energy, good books, and not taking ourselves too seriously. ✨📚As always, you can find all our socials here!

In this episode, we’re talking all things BookTok—how it’s shaped our reading habits, our TBRs, and honestly… our book-buying budgets. We get into the series and titles that blew up online, which recommendations actually worked for us, and how much influence friends versus the BookTok community have on what we pick up next.We also chat about our personal genre preferences, from romance to thrillers, and why book covers, special editions, and pretty sprayed edges have a dangerous amount of power over us. Audiobooks come into the conversation too, and how they fit into our reading lives alongside physical and digital books.Along the way, we dive into some of our recent reads—breaking down stories that hit on grief, relationships, and the messier sides of YA fantasy. We don’t hold back when critiquing popular titles, unpacking what worked, what didn’t, and how hype can sometimes miss the mark. We wrap things up by talking about the chaos of unread books, the pressure of trending reads, and the genuine joy of stumbling across unexpected literary gems.If you’ve ever been influenced (or victimized) by BookTok, this episode is for you. 📚✨Stalk our socials here!

In this episode, we’re catching up with some personal updates before jumping into a bigger conversation about parasocial relationships in the book world. We break down what parasocial relationships actually are, how social media has changed the way readers interact with authors, and where the line can start to blur between connection and entitlement.We talk openly about the rise of intrusive comments, unrealistic expectations, and the unnecessary drama that can come from treating book opinions as personal attacks. From author–fan dynamics to the hypocrisy we sometimes see in reviews, we unpack how these behaviors affect creators, readers, and the community as a whole—and why it’s worth being more mindful of how we engage online.We also share our thoughts on navigating negative reviews, maintaining healthy boundaries, and remembering that books are meant to be enjoyed, not fought over. To wrap things up, we chat about our current reading vibes and why escapism feels especially important right now.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by book community discourse or questioned your own relationship with authors and creators, this episode is a thoughtful, honest conversation you won’t want to miss.Find more about what we're doing here!

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of cozy fantasy—what it is, why it’s everywhere right now, and why so many readers (including us) are gravitating toward it. We talk about how post-pandemic escapism has shaped the genre, why emotional depth and found family sit at the heart of cozy fantasy, and how it offers a gentler alternative to high-stakes, epic fantasy.We also explore what makes cozy fantasy so appealing: lower conflict, comforting settings, standalone stories, and romantic elements that feel warm rather than overwhelming. Along the way, we discuss representation in the genre, why it works so well as a gateway into fantasy, and what we think the future of cozy fantasy looks like as it continues to grow.Whether you’re already a cozy fantasy lover or just curious about why everyone’s talking about it, we’re sharing our thoughts, our favorite aspects of the genre, and a few recommendations to help you get started. Grab a comfy drink, settle in, and let’s talk cozy reads. 📚✨As always, find our socials here!

In this episode, we kick off Season 2 of the podcast with by reintroducing ourselves and sharing a bit about our journey as book lovers. We talk about where our love of reading started, our favourite books, and the authors we consider automatic five-star reads. From there, we move into how we rate books, the genres we think are seriously underrated, and the petty reasons we sometimes DNF a book. Find our socials here!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! The Scorpio Bookshelf is pumped to be back and itching to bring you guys the best most consistent content we got! This episode we are wrapping up 2025 and leaving it behind for the excitement and anticipation we have for 2026! Our book stats, our reading goals and our most anticipated reads of the next year! Stay tuned for next weeks first full episode for Season 2!As always you can find our socials here!

HIIIIIIII! SPOILER ALERT WARNING! Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver spoilers from 25- 32 minutes in the pod!Welcome back! This episode is a little return episode chatting about our birthdays, what we've been up to and the books we plan on reading for the end of the year! Thank you for sticking with us this year, and we are excited to finish the year strong and the new year STRONGER! As always, you can find our social here!

Welcome to Episode 27 of The Scorpio Bookshelf!We meant to have a structured episode, but then Joaquin dropped the bombshell about getting an ARC of Scarred by History by Maggie Lynn and… well, chaos followed. Cue us rambling about fall, autumn aesthetics, and the flood of book releases coming before the year wraps up.Are you ready for cozy reading season?You can find our socials here!

Welcome to Episode 26 of The Scorpio Bookshelf!Warning: opinions incoming. This week, Morgan and Joaquin break down their bookish preferences. Will you agree with us? Probably not—and that’s the fun part.What’s your most unpopular book take?You know where to find us!

Welcome to Episode 25 of The Scorpio Bookshelf! This week is a mix of personal chaos and bookish excitement as Morgan and Joaquin catch you up on life, vibes, and the ever-growing list of preorders from authors we just can't quit. From long-awaited sequels to impulsive “Add to Cart” moments—we’re talking about it all.Are you a preorder fiend or a wait-for-the-reviews type? We want to know!As always, you can find our socials here!

Welcome to Episode 24! This week, a lot happened - so here's a little catch up over drinks. Talking some booktok drama, and trying to figure out what we wanna read. So - normal life tbh. We have found out that our recording software gives us a summary of what the episode is. So here is that if you care enough: SummaryIn this episode, Joaquin and Morgan discuss their lives, the pressures of social media, and the evolving dynamics of the BookTok community. They explore the unpredictability of virality, the impact of influencers, and the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content in literature. The conversation also touches on personal reading preferences, the drama within the book community, and their excitement for upcoming reads. In this engaging conversation, Morgan and Joaquin delve into their reading habits, discussing various book recommendations, the challenges of balancing work and reading, and their preferences in genres such as fantasy and dark romance. They share insights on popular series, nostalgic reads from their childhood, and the impact of time on their reading journey. The duo also explores the idea of buddy reads and the future of reading recommendations, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone throughout the discussion.As always, you can find our socials here!

Book deep dive here we come! Navessa Allen's sequel to Lights Out is now out! Caught Up is a spicy, mafia romance book that will get you off but keep you sane at the same time. This week is all about our thoughts on book 2 of this trilogy. Stick around and get aroused. As always you can find our social here!

This was such a fun trip down memory lane! We sittin' here chatting about the nostalgic tv shows and movies we watched as kids. Even Stevens, Scooby-Doo, Suite Life of Zack and Cody - absolute BANGERS.If you let us know your favourite shows as a kid, you're a g.As always here is our socials!

The title is exactly what this weeks episode is all about. Everything and nothing all at once. We appreciate all of you who still be listening to our crazy and wild shit every week. As always you can find out socials here!

This episode was SO fun for us to record and we hope you enjoy all of our fan castings as much as we did.If you wanted to check out the slideshows of our fan castings to follow along with the podcast, you can do that here! Morgan's Fan CastingsJoaquin's Fan CastingsAnd as always you can catch us on socials here!

oh hello! This week we covered 3 mini topics. Being a mood reader in this book era, underrated books we love that we think don't get mentioned enough as well as books, series or authors that we are scared to get into.We would love it if you let us know your most scared series/authors!Find our socials here!

This week is a little bit more of a dive into why we took our 3 week break and a whole bunch of random shit. We want to thank anyone and everyone who still listens on a weekly basis, if you do listen to this episode and read this description, message our IG account the phrase " Hippos riding elephants" and there will be a special prize for you.As always you can find our socials here!

whoops... Hi. It's us again... Hope you didn't forget us. We are still here and this week we are talking all about the author Q&A meet and greet book signing with Lyla Sage and Hannah Bonam-Young at the beginning of May.This event gave us life and meaning again after being in a life funk. Thank you so much to FourLetterEvents for putting this event on.Find all our socials here!

THIS EPISDOE WAS RECORDED ON TIKTOK LIVE AND IN PERSON! You are all witnessing the truest form of us recording our podcast and just how weird and off-topic we can get. Please witness us trying to categorize book villains, antagonists and random other things while being extremely hungry. You're welcome.Check out all our socials here!

Episode 15 is us diving into the world of book tropes!Enemies to lovers, one horse (which is a think apparently), one bed, insta lovers and more! What is truly overused, underrated and what our favourite are to read.Check out all our socials here!

Butcher & Black Bird, Leather & Lark and Scythe & Sparrow, the 3 books in the Ruinous Love Trilogy by Brynne Weaver. Oh man did we have a blast reading this interconnected stand-alone series. This being one of the few series that we have little to no complaints about completely tracks with how we talk about it during this weeks episode.We do preface that this is still a DARK romance, and readers should read the trigger warnings before diving into this series. Please read responsibly.Find all out socials here!

Woop woop! Hoppy Easter Weekend! Playing off the childhood memories of easter, we are throwing it back this week with all the books that we grew up with and that shaped us into who we are as readers! We also touch on some reading struggles that some people are having in believing they are not true readers! Is it the environment? Physical issues? Fatigue? Let us know what books and series you grew up with as a kid!Find all our socials here!

This episode is just filled with the most random shit. We took on the "We listen and we don't judge" trend on Tiktok and decided to judge. Because only besties are allowed to truly judge the fucked up shit we do in our personal lives. We apologize in advance for the things we say in this video. And if you share this with a friend to out us.... thank you, you're giving us more publicity. Look at our socials here! plz.

This weeks episode is a very real and honest conversation that we have together about book slumps. This is how we go about trying to get ourselves out of it, how it's affecting our life, or being caused by it. We appreciate every single one of you, and we want you to know slumps are a part of being a reader. So if you're slumped, congratulations you are a true reader. Let us know what you do to get out of a slump. Now someone grab me the remote, I want to get back to my shows. Find all our socials here!

WATCH YA HANDS! This here is a SPICY episode filled with hot takes, heavy opinions and -- as always -- laughter. Episode 10 is here! Uncovering everything we found in the dark space of booktok. We barely understand what goes on this episode, so buckle up and we wish you the best of luck.We do mention some amazing people within this episode, so if you want to check out their pages, we will list them down below here: Lex: Tiktok @lexmakisbookedSavanna: Tiktok @savscornerreadsMercedes: Tiktok @bookclubwannabeKiara: Tiktok @kiarasbookobsessionBut as always you can find us on all of our socials here!

Welcome to Episode 9!This week, we're turning up the volume on all things audiobooks! The good, the bad, and the ones that made us hit stop immediately. We’re dishing on our top recommendations, our biggest voice actor icks, and what makes an audiobook truly binge-worthy.Do you love audiobooks or loathe them? Anything about audiobooks that give you the ick? Let us know!Find us on all platforms and socials here!

Welcome to Episode 8 of The Scorpio Bookshelf!This week’s topic is all things “special”. Special edition book subscription boxes and whether we think they are worth it, Etsy’s marketplace of handmade special copies, and the over saturation of “special” editions in the book space. We would love to hear your thoughts on special editions of your favourite books and if you think they are getting a little too out of control. Find us on all platforms and socials here!

Yeehaw! Saddle up cowboys and cowgirls -- Episode 7 is here wild and completely off the holster!This week is all about Joaquin's DEEP dive into the Rebel Blue Ranch series by Lyla Sage off Morgan's HIGHLY recommended opinion. Sit back, grab your adult drink of choice, and ride into the sunset with us on on our cowboy romance era.Find all our socials here!

Welcome back to The Scorpio Bookshelf! This weeks episode covers the never ending controversy of "Is Smut Porn?" Age restrictions, erotica, art prints and the questionable line that everyone has are just some of the subtopics we cover this week. We would love any of your guys' viewpoints, comments, or thoughts! Let us know where your line stands.Find all of our socials here!

Happy Friday and welcome to Episode 5 of The Scorpio Bookshelf! This week is all about movies, tv shows and the books and worldbuilding that created them. There is a lot to unpack this episode, so grab your favourite drinks, a blanket and snuggle up while we breakdown our most important worldbuilding blocks that make a great book/series. Let us know in the comments what books/series you think have the best and worst worldbuilding for you!Find us on all our socials here!

Welcome to Episode 4 of The Scorpio Bookshelf!This week's episode is all about Onyx Storm! We're talking theories, thoughts and just screaming all things Empyrean.Us, along with what feels like the entire world were so excited to start and finish this book. So if you have not finished Onyx Storm yet -- why not? -- but you might want to put a pin in this episode until you're done.Find us on all our socials here!

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Scorpio Bookshelf! Today is all about Buddy Reads and why it works for us! Our favourite buddy reads - and subsequently - our least. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it! Find all our socials here!

Discovering your next indie read! Welcome to Episode 2 of The Scorpio Bookshelf! Lovingly titled because of the indie author that started our indie reading journey - Roxie Cohen 🖤 This episode we’ll chat about all things indie! ARC reading, reviewing, and supporting indie authors as well as dropping some of our favourite indie read recommendations. This is one we really can’t wait for you to hear, it is fun, it is chaos, and it is just a good time! Find more info on the indie authors mentioned this episode here! Roxie Cohen Blake Gallows Bailey Hart Brea Lamb KM Baker Maggie Lynn

Welcome to the very first episode of The Scorpio Bookshelf! Let's chat Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm - theories, recaps, opinions & more! New episodes every Friday! To watch funny clips, teasers and to stay up to date with what we're doing follow us on all our platforms below! Find us on all our platforms here: https://linktr.ee/thescorpiobookshelf